In an original tale set in a village down the road from Chelm, a young man named Shlemazel, “without luck,” leads a lazy life indeed, for were he to do anything, surely he would meet some great misfortune. Moshke, the village tinker, presents him with the remarkable spoon of Pohost, which “finds luck.” Shlemazel proceeds to use the spoon to grow grain, grind it at the mill and bake challah with the lovely Chaya Massel. Now with a bride, a bakery business and a cow to boot, Shlemazel credits all his achievements to hard work, not luck. Stampler’s sweet tale of success will resonate with children; Cohen’s brightly hued watercolor illustrations depict a cheerful Eastern European village bustling with energy. An author’s note credits her mother as the inspiration for the story, and a glossary explains the Yiddish words. Author and illustrator previously collaborated on Something for Nothing (2003); here’s hoping they continue to work together. (Picture book. 4-7)
